NFL players will likely be allowed to use “smelling salts” throughout video games in any case.
The NFLPA despatched a memo to players on Wednesday saying that the ban that the league informed teams about on Tuesday solely prohibits staff workers from distributing smelling salts and every other ammonia inhalant throughout pregame actions, video games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms.
“The NFL Players Association is aware of the memo issued by the league Tuesday regarding the use of smelling salts and ammonia capsules,” mentioned the memo to players, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
“We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out. To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.”
The memo from the league prohibited any membership personnel from offering or supplying merchandise such as ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any type of “smelling salts.”
The league cited a warning issued from the Food and Drug Administration in 2024 that there was no proof citing the “safety or efficacy” of the merchandise and that they’ve the potential to masks signs of concussions.
Smelling salts and different comparable merchandise have been a staple on NFL sidelines for years with many players believing they can present a sudden jolt of vitality or alertness.